Chelsea news and gossip is coming in thick and fast and Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the very latest from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge

Wednesday, April 1

Chelsea are still pursuing Napoli star Dries Mertens

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also interested

Arsenal are preparing to battle it out to sign Chris Richards

Chelsea have agreed a fee with Lille for Gabriel Magalhaes

However, Magalhaes is said to have undergone a medical with Everton

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Manuel Neuer latest

Manuel Neuer wishes to stay at Bayern Munich beyond his current contract and Chelsea are not currently an option for the German international, according to reports.

The 34-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as the Blues look to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga between the posts.

But Neuer is keen to remain at the Allianz Arena, having won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during his nine-year spell with the Bavarian outfit.

Sky Germany report that the veteran stopper is not considering a move to Chelsea at this stage, dealing a blow to the Blues’ recruitment options.

However, Neuer is out of contract in 2021 and negotiations are proving difficult in the current climate with the coronavirus outbreak causing all fixtures to be postponed until April 30 at the earliest.

The latest report claims Neuer and Bayern are yet to agree on the length of an extension, while the player also wants an indication of the competitiveness of the squad for next season before penning a deal.

Chelsea news LIVE: Manuel Neuer has been linked with a move to the Blues (Image: GETTY)

Willian on Liverpool

Chelsea star Willian thinks Liverpool are so far ahead of the top of the Premier League table because they have not continuously chopped and changed their manager.

"The coach (Jurgen Klopp) has been with the club for almost five years. When you have continuity, you can win titles.

"They had a sequence of important victories, which show the maturity of the team.

"You have to have time to get things done, and Liverpool have had a coach and a philosophy for a long time. The team is the same, the cast, it is one or the other only that changes, the base is the same.

"In Manchester City too, [Pep] Guardiola has been there for a long time, the philosophy is always the same.

"Chelsea are already changing a lot. In seven years, I have had five different coaches and philosophies.

"But even so, we won titles, because Chelsea always had that, it has always been like that and continues to win titles. I think each club has a profile."

Marcus Rashford sends Chelsea target Jadon Sancho message

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has admitted he would love Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho to join the club in the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old is expected to leave the Bundesliga for a return to the Premier League.

Rashford said in an Instagram Q and A: “It would be good [if Jadon Sancho joined #mufc]. Sancho is a great player.

“He's like the new generation player. It's definitely exciting to watch the player he's becoming — hopefully we can all play together. That would be good."

He added: “He [Jadon Sancho] plays off the cuff. He's imaginative.

“I think in this generation, they're the things you need to be world class.”

Chelsea news LIVE: Jadon Sancho has been sent a message by Marcus Rashford (Image: GETTY)

Cesc Fabregas on his favourite managers

Cesc Fabregas has named Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho as the best coaches he has worked under, snubbing former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

Speaking live on Instagram with former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot, Fabregas initially refused to say who he believed were the best coaches he has played for.

“I had the best in the world, so I cannot complain,” Fabregas said.

When pressed, he eventually settled on two: “Wenger and Mourinho.”

Guardiola was not the only manager to be overlooked with no mention of Vicente del Bosque, who oversaw Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph followed by victory at Euro 2012.

Willian to Juventus

The Brazil international, 31, looks set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the campaign after contract talks failed to yield an agreement.

Willian has openly revealed his desire to remain in London with Arsenal expected to challenge for his signature on a free transfer.

However, things could get tricky for Mikel Arteta's side after Italian websiteTuttosportclaimed Maurizio Sarri is interested in bringing Willian to Turin.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

Jadon Sancho to Chelsea

Chelsea have opened a channel of dialogue to Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho. Frank Lampard is eager to add the England international to his squad but the Blues could struggle to meet his £100million asking price.

Manchester United are also interested in securing his services in the upcoming transfer window.

Sancho is one of the hottest prospects on the planet after delivering 30 goals and 38 assists in 78 appearances for Dortmund over the last two seasons.

A return to the Premier League appears to be on the cards for the former Manchester City winger, who was born in London and is a boyhood Chelsea supporter.

According to the Daily Mirror, Stamford Bridge bosses have opened a channel to the 20-year-old but made it clear they will not get close to matching Dortmund’s valuation.

Premier League rivals Manchester United are desperate to win the transfer battle but have reportedly indicated they will also struggle to meet the £100million price tag.

Nahuel Bustos dream

Nahuel Bustos dreams of playing in the Premier League with Chelsea.

The Talleres forward, 21, can operate on either flank and has recorded 14 goals and three assists in 37 Superliga appearances for the Argentine club.

“I’d like to go outside,” he said during an interview on Instagram via Mundo D. “If I stay in Argentina, I stay at Talleres. I always said so. If they call me from Boca or River, I stay in Talleres. I’m not going to lie to you.

“I’d like to play in Europe. Do you know where I’d like to play? At Chelsea in England. It’s my dream.”

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

Philippe Coutinho to Leicester

Chelsea are keen to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer and are leading the way, according to reports in Spain.

Leicester, however, are also desperate to sign the Brazilian and view him as a "big statement", according to Spanish outletSPORT.

The Brazilian is on loan at Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga side will not pay to keep him permanently.

However, Barcelona are also said to have lost patience with their club-record signing and it is widely believed that the Blaugrana will look to offload him during the summer window.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

Samuel Umtiti decision

Chelsea have received a transfer boost in their pursuit of Samuel Umtiti after it has been reported that the Barcelona ace would prefer a move to Stamford Bridge if he departs the Nou Camp.

Umtiti has mustered just 31 appearances in all competitions over the past two seasons due to serious knee issues, and is now considered surplus to requirements by the La Liga champions.

However, the centre-back is still valued at £45million which is putting off potential suitors who remain wary of his fitness record.

The Daily Starclaim Umtiti is not keen to leave Barcelona but intermediaries have let Chelsea know that they are his preferred option if he is forced to depart.

The report also states that Umtiti has already been offered to Arsenal and Manchester United before the Blues launched their enquiries.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

Olivier Giroud rejection

Olivier Giroud has rejected an offer from Chelsea to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.

The French striker’s current deal expires this summer and a number of clubs from around Europe are supposedly interested in signing up the 33-year-old.

The French international agreed personal terms with Inter Milan before Chelsea pulled the plug after failing to secure a replacement.

And now reports from Italy claim Giroud is closing in on a move to the San Siro once again after rejecting a new contract proposal from Chelsea.

Tuttosport report that new contacts have been made between the Blues and Giroud’s entourage, with an offer of a one-year extension tabled.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

Wanted: Dries Mertens

Chelsea are still interested in Napoli star Dries Mertens.

The Blues were heavily backed to sign the Belgian international in January to ease the burden on Tammy Abraham but a deal failed to materialise.

The forward was expected to receive a lucrative new contract to extend his stay beyond June and engaged in face-to-face talks with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

But still nothing has been signed.

Calciomercatonow claim several clubs remain interested in securing his signature including Chelsea, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Calciomercato suggest that a hefty signing bonus in addition to £102,000-a-week salary could tempt the 32-year-old to swap clubs.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

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Gabriel Magalhaes agreement

That's according to transfer expert Duncan Castles, who claims the Ligue 1 side have accepted an offer worth £31million including performance-related add-ons.

“There have been four offers for Gabriel received by Lille and accepted by Lille,” Castles told the Transfer Window podcast.

"Lille are a club dependent on transfer revenue, they’ve agreed a deal with a total value of €35m (£31m). Everton are one of the clubs who have had an offer accepted. Two clubs in Italy have had an offer accepted. The fourth club is Chelsea.”

But there could be a problem for Frank Lampard's side.

Last week, The Independent claimed Magalhaes had already completed an 'offsite medical' with the Toffees.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

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Chris Richards move

Arsenal and Chelsea are preparing to battle it out to sign Bayern Munich youngster Chris Richards in the summer transfer window, despite the defender not having made a competitive first-team appearance yet.

The 20-year-old American is being tipped to be a star player in the future and has been impressive playing for Bayern's Under-19 and Under-23 sides.

Richards, who stands at 6’2"tall, is a versatile defender and while his natural position is a centre-back, the American is also comfortable playing as a right-back too.

However, according to The Mirror, because the youngster hasn't yet featured in Bayern's first-team there is now uncertainty over his future at the club.

The report claims Arsenal and Chelsea are leading numerous clubs who are interested in the defender, with Barcelona and Valencia also monitoring the player's situation.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

Premier League statement

The Premier League, EFL, FA and FSA have released a joint statement claiming there are no quick answers to when football will return.

Football was originally suspended until April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, due to the severity of the pandemic, the suspension was pushed back until April 30.

It remains to be seen whether the season can be finished and there's still a possibility the campaign could be called null and void.

Football governing bodies are locked in talks with leagues, discussing how to return to normality.

And the Premier League, EFL, FA and FSA have now confirmed football will not return until it's absolutely safe to do so.

Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)

Wanted: Lautaro Martinez

Barcelona have a plan to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.

That's according to Spanish publication Sport, who claim the Catalan giants have made Martinez their top priority in the upcoming transfer window.

It's believed the 22-year-old forward has signalled he would like to join compatriot Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp and that 'everyone assumes' a transfer will be completed in June.

Sport continue to claim that Martinez has been assured of a starting role for the Spanish champions.

The Argentine striker, who has scored 25 goals in 66 appearances for Inter Milan, has a £102million release clause that Barcelona will look to lower - perhaps using as many as three players in exchange.